October 21, 2005

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – United Methodist Church is urging local people to have a voice in the planning and rebuilding of the Gulf Coast in a paid commentary published Oct. 21 in The Washington Post and several newspapers in Louisiana and Mississippi.

The commentary stated that a "renewed sense of community" came out of the crisis caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita when people came together in concern, compassion and generosity. "We pray that this renewed understanding of community will inspire the rebuilding of the devastated areas."

Besides the Post, the paid commentaries appeared in the New Orleans Times-Picayune, and the Baton Rouge Advocate in Louisiana; the Mobile Register in Alabama; and the Biloxi-Gulfport Sun Herald and Jackson Clarion Ledger/Hattiesburg American in Mississippi.

A second commentary is planned for the week of Oct. 24. The commentaries urge commitment to a fair and inclusive process that creates better places for people to live.

"These commentaries are an important part of the church's mission. As Christians, we stand at the intersection of the concerns of the world and the concerns of the church for the world," said the Rev. Larry Hollon, chief executive of United Methodist Communications.

"The rebuilding efforts pose tremendous challenges, but also remarkable opportunities. It's important to stand with those who are poor and vulnerable and too often forgotten by society," he said.

United Methodist Communications developed the commentaries, in consultation with bishops of the affected regions, the officers of the Council of Bishops, agency heads, and the United Methodist Committee on Relief. The first commentary encouraged broad local input and participation in the rebuilding process.

"Involving people from all walks of life in the reconstruction of areas devastated by the hurricanes will provide the insight and creativity to create communities that are stronger and more vital than ever before," said Jim Winkler, top executive of the denomination's Board of Church and Society. "Functional cities and neighborhoods will emerge if residents are given a voice in planning and rebuilding."

Hollon said the commentaries are meant to create discussion.

"Scripture is replete with admonitions for Christians to care for the poor, the hungry, the homeless, and those in distress," he explained. "That includes creating a voice on behalf of marginalized and voiceless persons. We believe God calls us to be a voice for those persons."

Funding for the advertorials comes from United Methodist Communications' regular budget and does not come from donations to the United Methodist Committee on Relief's efforts to assist persons in the affected area, Hollon added.

Contributions to hurricane relief may be made at http://www.MethodistRelief.org/. One hundred percent of donations made through the United Methodist Church on behalf of communities damaged by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita will be used in the rebuilding effort. To obtain more information and add your voice, visit http://www.umc-gbcs.org/afterthestorm/.

News media contact: Stephen Drachler, executive director of public information at United Methodist Communications, Nashville, Tenn., (615) 742-5411 or e-mail sdrachler@umcom.org.

Text of the commentary follows:

In Rebuilding, Set a Place at Table for All

As the humanitarian crises caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita gradually slip off the evening news and front pages of our newspapers, the hard work of rebuilding communities is just beginning.

Following the catastrophic losses of these tragedies, people came together in remarkable and concrete ways, showing concern, compassion and generosity. Across the country, people banded together and lived the biblical call to be our brothers' and sisters' keepers. We all learned that communities are not just places where we live and work, communities are the people who make those places unique.

We pray that this renewed understanding of community will inspire the rebuilding of the devastated areas. In order to rebuild a community, not just a city or town, it is crucial that those people who live there have a voice in the reconstruction. And it's equally important that local companies share in the work and local residents are hired to do the labor, and are included in the planning.

Restoring communities also means encouraging and respecting all the voices of the community. By supporting equal access to housing, education, employment and medical care, rebuilt communities will be even stronger than before.

By incorporating local residents and businesses in the rebuilding process and laying a foundation of respect and equality, communities will not only be renewed, but the efforts to reach their reconstruction goals will also enhance human values, encourage personal and political involvement and open neighborhoods to people of all races, ages and income levels.

In the aftermath of the hurricanes, the outpouring of support was compassionate, fair and inclusive. And it is with these values that communities will be rebuilt.

The people of The United Methodist Church
Open hearts. Open minds. Open doors.

United Methodist News Service